Bebe’s odd Manchester United career is finally over with the forward moving to Benfica on a free transfer, though the deal could be worth up to €3m in add-ons, with the club also having the rights to 50% of any sell-on fee.

The 24-year-old was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson in August 2010 for £7.4m from Vitoria de Guimaraes.

The Portuguese has signed a four-year contract with Benfica following an impressive loan spell with Pacos da Ferreira last season that nearly gained him selection for the national squad at Brazil 2014.

In four years at United he made only seven appearances, scoring twice, and will be recalled as one of the strangest signings of Ferguson’s 26 years as manager.

On Friday Benfica confirmed they had bought the player, releasing a statement on their website which read: “Bébé has signed an agreement with SL Benfica for four years.”